The opportunities in Detroit, MI are about to be endless thanks to Apple and its latest move.

In partnership with Michigan State University, the tech giant has officially opened the doors to its first US Developer Academy, where diverse developers and entrepreneurs will gain resources to positively impact their communities.

As a first-of-its-kind facility, the Detroit Apple Developer Academy will be home to an inaugural class of over 100 students ages 18 to 60. Each student will gain comprehensive app development and entrepreneurial training within a 10-month span.

“We believe apps for everyone should be designed by everyone, and that all aspiring developers and entrepreneurs should have the opportunity to be a part of the thriving app economy,” shared Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives, in a press release provided to AfroTech. “Detroit has an incredible entrepreneurial spirit, powered by creativity and inclusion, and we’re thrilled to welcome this inaugural class of creators as we start classes at the Apple Developer Academy, the first of its kind in the US. Through the power of technology and innovation, we are proud to be helping prepare these innovators for new opportunities.”

Each graduate will walk away with a suite of skills geared toward helping them both find and create jobs in the iOS app economy. To date, the economy is responsible for over 2.1 million jobs across all 50 states.

“Our goal is to create new pathways and new opportunities for a diverse group of 21st-century tech leaders, and we’re proud to be working with Apple to bring this vision to life,” continued Sarah Gretter, Michigan State University’s lead of the Detroit Apple Developer Academy. “I’m inspired by our first class of students, and can’t wait to see where this journey takes them — whether it’s starting a new business, creating a new app, or developing marketable new skills.”

The Apple Developer Academy is available at no cost, and students do not have to have prior coding experience to participate. Located in a newly, custom-designed space within the First National Building in downtown Detroit, the academy is a part of Apple’s Racial Equity and Justice Initiative, which was created to address systemic racism and level the playing field for underserved communities.

Click here to learn more about the academy.

First National Building

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